F3 New Orleans

Category: New Orleans

  • “No disciple is [allowed to be] above his teacher.” – from Goose

    8 strong for Tuesday Tuff this morning, including a highly touted FNG who both serves Tana his daily brew and is served by Yankee Joe in the classroom. Tana noticed his truck pulling in with his eagle-salesman eyes, and so we did side straddle hops as we waited for him to make a lap around the neighborhood before coming back and pulling into the parking lot. Thankfully, YJ was in the road, prepared to physically stop his truck and move it into a parking space rather than allow him to take another lap.

    Warmup consisted of the usual things YHC needs to avoid old man injuries (all 20-count; can’t risk it) plus some high knees, butt kicks, and mountain climbers to kickstart the cardio system in preparation for an all out Merkin Mile.
    Manscape, the new leader of F3 Lake Charles had called out YHC late last week with a time to beat on the Merkin Mile since YHC introduced to them earlier this month. So, unable to back down from the challenge, and seeing the opportunity to measure growth amongst the PAX, we started the morning with a Merkin Mile for time. We went all out, pushing as hard as we could, and took stock of our time so that we could return to it in the coming weeks to track improvement…and, so YHC could put the bar higher than Manscape could reach, at least for a while. Knowing him, he’ll crush it soon enough, but I’ll ride the glory till then. Or, at least I thought I would…

    YHC got off to a good start, cruising beyond the rest of the PAX to a distance that felt like a comfortable lead. But, as we began the turn up through the alley behind the townhomes, I could hear footsteps getting closer. Was it Enron with his little brother superpowers, able to push beyond normal human limitations to beat whoever’s on top? Or was it Paradox, who is superhumanly motivated by any opportunity to push YHC’s buttons? As it turns out, it had nothing to do with YHC–it was Yankee Joe, the curmudgeonly GroupMe troll who is often heard complaining about how he just can’t seem to make progress the way the rest of us seem to, how he just gets too tired too quickly because he’s so darn old. And, yet, there he went, not only passing YHC, but continually increasing the distance all the way back to the flag. His motivation became clear as FNG Parker passed me not too far behind him and stayed right on his heels for the rest of the mile. His form was impeccable, and YHC should have known something was coming when he strapped on his Ralph Macchio headband pre-run. YJ, who didn’t know he had a second gear, also didn’t know he had a third gear, apparently, and that it would only be revealed when his professorly dignity was at stake. Either that, or he’s got the supernatural capacity to pour himself out for his students and loves to have a front seat to see them at their best; though, that sounds a little dramatic.
    Regardless, YHC was proud to see all the PAX pushing harder than usual this morning, and figured they earned a couple of 10-counts before the next movement:

    Song: “Jump” by Van Halen
    Hold a version of plank for the duration, and perform a groiner to jump up (top half of a burpee) at every “jump”. First verse–high plank. Second verse–elbow/chill-cut plank. Guitar/synth solo–Mission Impossible plank (this lasted about 15 minutes).

    Next, it was on to a classic Dora 1, 2, 3. YHC realized we hadn’t done one of these in a while, whereas they used to be a staple, so it was good to get back into it. Partnered up to split duty on the following (Partner 1 chipped away at the rep totals while Parter 2 ran a lap around the sidewalk track): 100 airplanes (1:1–alternating side plank with arm up in the sky), 200 Freddy Mercurys (2:1), and 300 Apolo Onos (1:1).
    While Yankee Joe focused again on running faster than everyone else, the rest of the PAX hammered diligently away at their reps and tried not to trip each other during the Onos. With about a minute left and most of the PAX done, YHC called it for a final minute of high plank and mumblechatter before recovering for COT.

    We took a nice, long time to come up with a name for the FNG, but “French Horn” eventually took the prize. Though it doesn’t have a great, creative backstory, it sounds like a solid F3 name (random, not super flattering), so YHC couldn’t pass it up. We definitely look forward to seeing more of French Horn!

    Announcements, prayer intentions, and Tana prayed us out. Awesome morning, fellas! Thanks for being part of this amazing brotherhood!

    SYITG,
    Goose

  • Mellow Monday w/ Montana – from Wiford Montana

    I often try to use the space of F3 as a place to break down my muscles in order to grow them but today, today was a day to do that but something more. This q was to be real, connect, and hopefully show that thru a group of like minded people coupled with the love, strength, and mercy of our Lord Jesus we can become strong in many facets. Not only that but when we struggle with whatever it is we have a network, a common goal, a place to grow. Mellow Monday with Montana was set to begin.
    Warm-o-Rama:
    3 stretches then we churned out a mile on rich man loop.

    The journey of Pro shop Barry:
    Leaving Vandy I was an atheist looking for only self discovery and meaning of life. Was wondering in my “dessert” discovering, I would be willing to bet I have seen more pounds of weed than every pax combined, but I can say this much like all things of the world, they have their short term gains but no matter how much of a short term pleasure they just fall short.

    1st Song: Simmer Down by Bob Marley Thruster on Simmer Down and random “Goblin Squats” through out.

    2nd Song: Exodus (all present were on the true Exodus) by Bob
    Burpees on Exodus and Movement
    68 in total

    Then YHC passed around picture of Pro shop Barry, he was 2 links of boudin away from hitting 3bills
    “Tana killed proshop Barry, he dead now”
    Picture ripped up and we talked about whatever struggle or addiction you can turn to God anytime, and shared I accepted Jesus Sept. 18 2008 centered around 2Cor. 3:3

    3rd Song: Break every Chain- Jesus Culture
    BBS or V-up on power
    Merkin on Break every chain
    Coupon swing and man makers sprinkled in

    Closed out with a quick mile ish and then COT and Dilly prayed us out

    Appreciate each one of you and great work Pax

  • We Discovered Wakin’ Bakin’ (Post Sweaty Bells Breakfast) – from King Kong

    Because of RCR, I decided to add miles to our typical sweaty bells workout. We woke up to a beautiful, calm, sunny morning in the mid 50’s. We couldn’t ask for a better day….

    Warm-ups
    1 – SSHs x 20 IC
    2 – Windmills x 10 IC
    3 – Arm Circles x 10 IC
    4- Hill Billies x 10 IC
    5 – Imperial Walkers x 10 IC
    6 – Halos x 10 OYO
    7 – Self Love x 10 IC
    Ran a warm up lap to the stop sign and back.

    Dirty McDeuce
    1 – Curls x 12 in slow cadence (ISC)
    2 – Goblet Squats x 12 ISC
    3 – Flutterkicks with the bells x 12 IC
    Ran a lap towards Audubon Tea Room and back

    1 – Overhead presses x 12 ISC
    2 – Alternate Lunges x 12 IC
    3 – Hello Dolly with the bells x 12 IC
    Ran a lap towards the Fly and back

    1 – Tricep Extensions x 12 ISC
    2 – Kettle Bell Swings x 12 OYO
    3 – American Hammers x 12 IC
    Ran a lap towards Audubon Tea Room and back

    1 – Rows x 12 ISC
    2 – Goblet Squat to a Curl x 12 OYO
    3 – LBCs with the bells x 12 ISC
    Ran a lap towards the Fly and back

    1 – Clean and Jerk x 12 OYO
    2 – Plank and pull the bells x 12 IC
    3 – Obliques Crunches x 12 ISC
    Ran a lap towards Audubon Tea Room and back

    Finished the beatdown with some stretches. We had a FNG, eh’ed by Moana. His name is Asri Sergici, a Trinity Dad. We named him Wild Turkey because he loves scotch (doesn’t really care for bourbon), and he’s from Turkey.

    Gabby and Almonaster met up for breakfast at Wakin’ Bakin’. This may be our new Coffeeteria spot on Sundays.

    SYITG

    King Kong

  • Monkey Humper Drive By – from Willie

    After the required disclaimer, and in the spirit of Run Cajun Run, the PAX went off campus this morning with a mosey on the neutral ground down St. Charles Ave. We stopped for warm up exercises at the State St. and Jefferson Ave. Exercises were in cadence:

    Grass Grabbers x10, Hillbillies x20, LS Squats x10, Imperial Walkers x20

    King Kong and Gabby asked if we were going to do Monkey Humpers in front of Whopper’s house. That was not my intent when we set out, but it was such a great idea, I had to pivot. We immediately went to Whopper’s house and did 10 MH in cadence.

    We did not stop there…. Next on the monkey humper hit list was Blowout, followed by Couch. The PAX performed 10 monkey humpers all in cadence at both locations. Subprime was particularly loud in his cadence count. After hitting Couch with humpers, we mosyed back to the flag. We logged right at 4.0 miles for RCR.

    El Wire was lucky, he was next on our hit list, but we ran out of time. Let this be a warning to all Uptown PAX, especially El Wire, Reluctant Yankee, Tubesteak, Mariah, Angies List, Seaman, Tinkles, Moana, any of you could be our next victim, if you are not working out at Misty Mountain.

    We closed with a COT and breakfast ensued at Panola Cafe. It’s always an honor to lead this great group of men!

  • “What We Obtain too Cheap, We Esteem too Lightly” – from Yankee Joe

    “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – Thomas Paine

    Warmarama
    – SSHs
    – Abe Vigodas (slow windmills)
    – Knoxville cherry pickers
    – Willy Mays Hayes
    – Arm circles
    – Air squats
    – Mountain Climbers

    —————————————
    Part 1: Freedom

    Earlier this week, my oldest daughter, Evelyn Grace (6 yrs old) came home with a kindergarten assignment to write two sentences with the prompt:

    “In my opinion, freedom means…”

    My wife and I were surprised by how difficult it was to explain the concept to her. Most likely because as a six year old, she only understands the dictatorship she currently is living under. But, like any warm blooded American Dad hypocrite, that got me thinking about my own opinion about the meaning of freedom. This beatdown/backblast represents my humble attempt to do just that.

    On this day in 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected as first president of our great nation. I think my intention was to create a theme, any theme, but after some time, I was simply force feeding exercises into historical contexts. It was sloppy and disingenuous. It felt too important. I was stumped.

    As I was abandoning the idea, I started thinking about our independence. I started thinking about what kind of desperate level of crazy it must have taken to, in presumably sound mind, collectively decide to take on the most powerful military (army and navy) power on earth.

    Can you imagine the scene?!?

    Ben Franklin (who was 70 at the time): “Let’s fight Britain.”

    Thomas Jefferson: “Seriously, Ben, go back to sleep.”

    (Sam Adams is off in the corner getting sloshed)

    John Hancock: “Oooh, oooh, oooh…and we can sign something???”

    —————————————–
    Mini Bootcamp Training

    – 20 Imperial Squat walkers
    – 10 triple Merkin, triple jump burpees
    – 10 P2J2s (8ct…2 plank jacks, 2 chillcut peter parker’s, 2 j-los 1:1, 2 pickle pounders = 1 rep)

    ——————————————–
    Part 2: Reality Sets In

    Of course, John Hancock would have that opportunity, and soon King George sent a 32,000 man expeditionary force to the colonies, including 30,000 Hessian mercenaries. Within a short time, the northern strongholds, including New Jersey and New York, had all been taken, and the British viewed the situation as an easily squashed uprising. Indeed, the original force of 23,000 Regulars under the command of Washington had dwindled by December 1776 to nearly 3,000 poorly trained, poorly provisioned men through desertions, disease, and expired enlistments.

    It was all but over.

    Washington, who had nothing like a stellar military record, was perhaps more importantly, an ingenious marketer and effective motivator. The consensus of his councils was that they desperately needed a victory or it would be over within weeks. In fact, the rest of the regular soldiers’ enlistments ended on December 31st.

    At about the same time, another propaganda machine kicked into high gear. Thomas Paine, the author of Common Sense, wrote a letter to the public called the American Crisis. It, along with the small victories in early 1777, are credited with turning the tide of morale and public support of fighting for independence.

    December 23, 1776

    THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

    Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

    Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

    Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

    —————————————–
    The Thang:

    – P1 Chillcut peter parker’s (aim for 50); P2 block and bear to marker (30 yards), rifle carry back; flapjack
    – P1 & P2 spiderman crawl to marker; crawl bear back
    —
    – P1 J-Lo’s (aim for 50); P2 murderbunny to marker, redrum return; flapjack
    – P1 & P2 sprint (one with coupon, other with bricks); flapjack

    ————————————–
    Part 3: We Must Go On?

    A couple of days later on Christmas night, Washington took 2,400 men at three launch points across the Delaware. The temperature was below freezing, and by 11 pm when the crossing began in earnest, a straight up blizzard began with wind chills with estimated subzero temperatures. It took eleven hours to cross and the mission was four hours behind schedule.

    Washington later wrote, “…As I was certain there was no making a retreat without being discovered and harassed on repassing the River, I determined to push on at all Events.”

    The Thang:

    – P1 thrusters (aim for 25); P2 brick butterfly walk; flying brick nuns back; flapjack

    ——————————–
    Part 4: One More Month

    On December 31st, 1776, only a week after the surprise attack and subsequent victory in Trenton over the Hessian force, Washington’s meager army was at the end of its enlistment period. The following day, the vast majority of his soldiers had the right to go home to their families and farms. However, Washington and his war council had deliberated for days following Trenton and had made the fateful decision to press whatever little advantage they add against the British forces. On that December 31st morning, Washington appealed to his troops:

    “My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than can be reasonably expected; but your country is at stake, your wives, your houses and all that you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigues and hardships, but we know not how to spare you. If you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your country, which you probably can never do under any other circumstances.”

    ——————————-
    The Last Thangs:

    Song: Run Away – The Real McCoys
    – Hillbilly squat walkers, burpee on “run away”
    – Approx. 40 burpees

    Song: Jump Around – House of Pain
    – Plank jacks, merkin on “jump”
    – Approx. 40 merkins

    Song: We Built This City – Starship
    – Lbc’s, Freddie’s, hello Dolly’s, leg lifts, flutters, etc.
    – V-ups on “we built this city”

    COT and the PAX excitedly welcomed MAFAT and Ponzi to the beautiful chaos. Goose prayed us out.

    Let us always remember the multitude of blessings and freedoms we enjoy delivered to us by the multitude of sacrifices and hardships endured before us.

    SYITG,
    Yankee Joe

  • To Run or not to Run… – from Bogey

    Disclaimer/Mosey to Rock pile/Brief Warmup – Circle of Arms(F&B), AV’s, SSH’s, PP&PP, Self Love/Grab a rock for multiple reps( I said multiple reps HG)…
    The Thang…
    Down the Ladder starting at 14 in cadence with rock, decreasing by 2 each round – Shoulder Press, Curls, Squats, Rows, & Burpees.
    To the track – quick audible due to small pax…always running in one direction( counter clock) passing the frisbee…with every drop 3 burpees for the pax. Hit 48 burpees(104 in total) and 6:15am.
    COT – thank God McGyver is back and please watch over all the Ivanites tonight. Gratitude for giving me the opportunity and the strength to pay it forward.

  • Charmin Maniversary – from Charmin

    Apparently today was YHC’s Maniversary; so to celebrate I have written a lymrick:

    I posted in the gloom today for a ruck.
    I chose this ’cause I knew running would suck
    In total there were 9 runners
    1 walker, and 3 ruckers
    We are all thankful for F3 getting us unstuck

  • Stage Record – from Enron

    With anticipation building of what could be a new Stage record for attendance, YHC nervously arrived in the impossible-to-see foggy gloom to a surprise of multiple pairs of headlights awaiting. Tuesdays have not normally been highly attended, but all the stars had finally aligned to have a “hard commit” (no one ever fartsacks a hard commit) of 11 PAX on the GroupMe. Seeing 4 standing and waiting at 5:20, things were looking up for the record, especially with the surprise arrival of Paradox, aka POOX, and Wilford Montana. The types of compromises and promises that were made to their M’s are unknown, but their presence was welcomed. Vehicles continued to appear along with the arrival of Goose with 300 pounds of coupons in the back of his truck. YHC quickly unloaded one of his 2.0’s dry erase board, as well as additional coupons in set up for what was to come. As 5:30 arrived, a new record had been set. 12 PAX at the stage; this moment will go down in F3 Thibodaux history (which is honestly why this backblast is being forced).
    Warmup:
    SSH, AC, Cherry Pickers, grass grabbers (with the clap) Windmills, Self-Love, IW, Mountain Climbers and a large group bumper mosey.
    YHC can honestly say that nerves set it during the warmup as leading a large group comes with more Q-dreniline than expected. Counts may have been quicker than usual; mumble chatter was heard in the background regarding the cadence. Nothing out of the norm for Yankee Joe and Paradox and their shenanigans.
    Thang 1 and only 1: Modified Jerf
    A short synopsis/speech was given to instruct all the newer guys on the history of the “Jerf”. A combination of a Murph and a Bruce Lee with a twist from Yankee Joe. Quickly named the Jerf back in September/October by a group of PAX attempting to complete one per off-beatdown day. YHC had some new modifications and additions for today’s TuesdayTuff©. All were presented on the previously mentioned dry-erase easel. The following were completed in order, AMRAP, throughout the next 35 minutes. Although, one exercise was voted out and erased after each completed round. After 5 exercises were eliminated (5 rounds), YHC started to add one back on each round. Exercises are as follows:
    20 Coupon Curls
    20 Coupon Presses
    10 Yard Bear Crawl (this could not be eliminated along with the Crab walk as this was a mode of transportation)
    10 Merkins (eliminated 3rd)
    30 LBCS
    10 Yard Crab Walk (back to coupons)
    10 Merkins
    50 Freddy Mercury’s (1=1)
    20 Skull Crushers (eliminated 1st and also added back later as 10)
    20 Leg Raises (eliminated 2nd and added back later as 10)
    30 Squats (eliminated 4th)

    COT and Goose prayed us out. It was truly an honor to be able to lead this larger group of men today. Hopefully this is a sign of continued growth in our region.
    SYITG,
    Enron

  • Basketball Jones – from Paradox

    7 pax entered the Lions Den as a light mist fell around the feet of Aslan(d) . During a recent conversation with Goose YHC got worked up into a full lather about the endless potential the Den has for a basketball beatdown. But first there were a few questions to consider:

    1. Could we work our body , work our body , but make sure we don’t hurt nobody ?
    2. Could the DJ turn it up but make sure he dont burn it up?
    3. Can we set a pick at the free throw line of life?
    4. Will a basketball under our pillow improve our sleep ?

    Certainly 5:30 was early to consider deep philosophy but I knew 7 HIgh impact fellows who could help me find the answers…

    Roll that bean footage Duke !

    Warmup
    Standard issue type where YJ talks to his neighbor in stream of consciousness and Enron has form questions.
    SSH , IW , WM, AC , CP

    Run Cajun Run Mosey to the Bball court then we got down to business.

    In December 1891 Dr James Naismith invented an indoor game to keep athletes in peek condition during winter. With a peach basket and a soccer ball he changed the landscape of American sports. Today we will honor his achievement and learn how to earn our respect on the court.

    Anker Tribute

    Basketball Jones by Cheech and Chong
    This may be my all time favorite F3 song to date. The mixture of pain and laughter was beautiful.
    3 modes :
    Plank up- merkins on basket ball
    Al gore – squats on basketballs
    LBC- crunch on basketball

    NBA Trivia
    Add 5 burpees if wrong
    Bobby Hurleys /MakTars then a court suicide each round
    1/2…6/12 in Jack Webb format

    1. Most NBA champ player?
    Bill Russel
    2. How many referees during NBA game ? 4
    3. Shaq shoe size ? 23
    4. First WNBA player to dunk in a game? Brittany Griner
    5. First MVP by unanimous vote , Steph Curry
    6. All time leading scorer in men’s college basketball-pistol Pete

    We only did 1 set of penalty burpees thanks to our man AOL who, on top of being our IT guy , is also an actual walking computer of NBA knowledge. With quiet strength he put the team on his back and saved us from burpees before we could debate ourselves into more pain. Well done!

    Song:
    Space Jam By Quad City DJs

    YHC Continues to be impressed by YJs knowledge of 80s/90s hip hop . Was he accused of insider trading during the preBlast riddle? That’s a matter for my legal team. But by my calculations YJ would have been 18 years old when the song was out and obviously formed him into the baller he is today so all is forgiven.

    Side shuffle , slap floor on jam, jump shot on Jam
    YHC shared a special moment with Enron as we locked gazes during side shuffle until the slick court mud almost took my life. Tana added several interpretive dance moves that kept our minds off the burning legs. .

    To the main event

    F3 Knockout
    Standard knockout rules with a 5 burpee buy in
    3 strikes and you are out for good.
    This led to the showdown that no one saw coming but we all needed….

    Goose vs Cardinal

    The young calf vs the old bull

    Priest vs Administration

    Man vs Man for all to witness

    A battle for bragging rights at the Office of Parish support. It was all in the table.
    Cardinal hung tough early with some defensive strategy but in the end Goose found his shot and took the title home.

    Mosey back to Aslan(d) for COT and Ronnie prayed us out.

    A great privilege to lead you men and have some fun to start the day. If you find yourself afflicted with the basketball Jones , well…now you know the cure.

    SYITG
    PDOX

  • Afternoon Delight 2-1-2023! – from Almonaster

    Basketball Pre-game!

    PAX:

    – FCOJ
    – Subprime
    – Strings
    – Couch
    – Blowout
    – Almonaster

    Mosey to the warmup spot on the Track.
    Warmup:

    SSH – 20 IC
    Arm Circles -10 IC
    Reverse Arm Circles – 10 IC
    Imperial Walkers – 10 IC
    Balance on 1 foot for 10 seconds – Each Foot
    The Morpheus – 10 IC
    Grass Grabbers – 10 IC
    Windmills – 10 IC
    Mountain Climbers – 10 IC

    The Thang:

    Indian Dribble to the Bridge.

    Basketball Merkins – 20 OYO
    Bobby Hurley’s – 20 OYO
    Basketball Backward Lunges – 20 IC

    Indian Dribble to the Fountain.

    Step ups shoot Right Leg – 10 IC
    Basketball Dips – 10 IC
    Step Ups Shoot Left Leg – 10IC
    Incline Basketball Merkins – 10 IC
    Decline Basketball Merkins – 10 OYO

    Indian Dribble to the Golf Course

    Basketball under one arm Merkins – 10 each arm OYO
    Around the worlds – 10 each way OYO
    Figure 8 Dribble – 10 each way OYO
    Basketball Pain, 3 circles passing the basketball in plank position

    Indian Dribble to the Monkey Bars

    Mary:

    LBC’s – 20 IC
    Flutter Kicks – 20 IC
    Douille’s Basketball Pass (Russian Twists) – 20 IC

    Dribble Back to Flag

    Birthdays
    Anniversaries
    Announcements
    Intentions
    Prayer

    Thanks for the opportunity to Lead!